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As a public librarian, one of my favorite times of the year is "Banned Books Week." For those who aren't aware of this annual occurrence, it is basically a time to celebrate the freedom to read... usually we do this by creating displays and blog/site posts, to publicize the issues of censorship and intellectual freedom. And don't be confused by the word BANNED, as in reality the American Library Association and US Government does not support the actual banning of any titles. All it means is that a book was challenged, and in most cases the challenge was dismissed - although sometimes they are successful, and the offending book is removed from an individual school or library.
Here in the Bay Area, we are particularly opposed to censorship or removal of books for "offensive content." But even in this region, there are many people who think we need to take certain titles off our shelves... and having fielded these complaints myself, I can proudly say we do not cave to their demands (unless there's a REALLY good reason to oblige). The most common complaints are that it contains sexually explicit and/or homosexual references, inappropriate language for the age group, racist language, etc. Funniest was when a patron demanded we remove an A&E Biography video on Abraham Lincoln, because it "implied he was a homosexual." Sorry, we can't change historical facts! LOL
Now for a little fun, I thought I'd share this list/quiz I just blogged about on our library's website. These are the top 10 "silliest reasons a book has been challenged," and let's see if you can guess which books they are referring to here. I'll post the answers a bit later, once you've had a chance to ponder them.
10. “Encourages children to break dishes so they won’t have to dry them.”
9. “It caused a wave of rapes.”
8. “If there is a possibility that something might be controversial, then why not eliminate it?”
7. “(Title character) was ‘living in sin’ with Jane.”
6. “It is a real ‘downer.’”
5. “The basket carried by (title character) contained a bottle of wine, which condones the use of alcohol.”
4. “One bunny is white and the other is black and this ‘brainwashes’ readers into accepting miscegenation.”
3. “It is a religious book and public funds should not be used to purchase religious books.”
2. “A female dog is called a b----.” (the scientific name for a female dog) 1. “An unofficial version of the story of Noah’s Ark will confuse children.”
Have to spread the love around as I repped you in the library 'scam' thread but I found the reasons on your list hilarious.
I know, right? And just wait until you see the answers... I think #6 will give you the most head-smacking moment, when you hear which title they're referring to there.
#5 - Little Red Riding Hood....that little lush!
It's the only one that I can 'see' from the list. #10 is familar, but can't come up with a title.
#3 - is probably the Bible.
#4 - Good Night Moon...?
#5 - Little Red Riding Hood....that little lush!
It's the only one that I can 'see' from the list. #10 is familar, but can't come up with a title.
#3 - is probably the Bible.
#4 - Good Night Moon...?
These are all guesses:
#10 - "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"? - Vague probably incorrect memory of breaking dishes
#9 - "To Kill a Mockingbird"?
#7 - "Tarzan of the Apes"?
#6 - "Running With Scissors"?
#2 - "Old Yeller"?
Thanks for playing along! Two correct guesses were given (#5 & #7), but the rest will probably surprise you...
10. A Light in the Attic - Shel Silverstein
9. Arabian Nights or One Thousand and One Nights - anonymous
8. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee - Dee Alexander Brown
7. Tarzan of the Apes - Edgar Rice Burroughs
6. The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank
5. Little Red Riding Hood - Grimm Brothers
4. The Rabbits' Wedding - Garth Williams
3. Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Walter A. Elwell, ed. (so Q'uran & The Bible were basically correct guesses)
2. My Friend Flicka - Mary O'Hara
1. Many Waters - Madeline L'Engle
I just thought it would be interesting to post and discuss this list, as it illustrates the slippery slope that book censorship could lead us down - as demonstrated in places like North Korea, China, Iran, and communist-era Russia. I'm all for doing one's best not to deliberately offend anyone, and try to be respectful in general... but at the same time, what one person considers inappropriate might be inspiring to another. As one of my favorite quotes goes, "A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone" (Jo Godwin).
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